Bidding is the process of selecting contractors who meet the requirements of the project owner (the procuring entity) to execute a project package, ensuring competitiveness, fairness, transparency, and economic efficiency.
In Vietnam, bidding activities are now conducted widely across all sectors of the economy, with construction bidding playing a particularly significant role.

In recent years, the construction industry has developed rapidly. Construction projects have emerged nationwide at an increasingly dense rate. Therefore, selecting qualified contractors capable of delivering quality, timely, and cost-effective works is of great importance.

Construction bidding is a specialized activity that requires participating organizations and individuals to possess strong professional competence. Those involved in the process must have a comprehensive understanding of construction engineering, bidding procedures, and relevant legal frameworks.

The Faculty of Construction Economics and Management (CEM) at the National University of Civil Engineering (NUCE) provides students with the professional knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform effectively in construction bidding activities through its Construction Economics and Construction Management programs.

The Faculty of Construction Economics and Management equips students with a solid combination of economic, management, and construction engineering knowledge.
Its strong focus on economics and management provides students with key professional and practical competencies, including:

• Preparation and appraisal of construction investment projects

• Cost estimation, verification, and settlement

• Construction cost management and pricing

• Bidding and tender organization

• Construction auditing and financial control

• Contract and project management

• Accounting in construction enterprises

Although the volume of technical construction courses has been streamlined in the updated curriculum, students still receive a comprehensive understanding of essential construction principles.

Currently, Construction Economics and Construction Management are among the most reputable and high-quality training programs in Vietnam. Fresh graduates are highly sought after by government agencies, project management units, and construction and investment enterprises.

According to industry statistics, over 95% of graduates secure employment within the first six months after graduation, and the average income within five years reaches approximately 25 million VND per month.

Graduates from the Faculty of Construction Economics and Management have broad career prospects in the construction investment sector, particularly in bidding and procurement activities, including:

1. Working in State Management of Bidding Activities

To ensure that bidding processes remain fair, transparent, effective, and free from corruption, government supervision and inspection are essential.
Graduates can work in government agencies such as:

• At the central level: Ministry of Planning and Investment, State Audit Office, Government Inspectorate

• At the provincial/city level: Departments of Planning and Investment, Provincial Inspectorates

• At the district level: Finance and Planning Divisions

Their roles include monitoring and inspecting bidding activities within units using state capital, according to delegated authority.

2. Working for Project Owners or Procuring Entities

Project owners (or procuring entities) are responsible for setting requirements for contractors. Graduates can:

• Work in government agencies from central to local levels that manage construction investment projects.

• Join regional or specialized project management units with responsibilities such as preparing bidding documents and evaluating bids.

• Work in large private corporations involved in construction procurement and investment projects.

3. Working for Construction Contractors

As contractors, graduates must understand bidding documents, procedures, and regulations. They can:

• Work for construction enterprises (contractors) to prepare and submit bid documents that comply with legal and project requirements.

4. Working as Bidding Consultants

When project owners or procuring entities lack expertise in bidding and contractor selection, bidding consultancy firms play a key role.
Graduates can work as consultants assisting clients in:

• Preparing bidding documents

• Evaluating bid proposals

• Recommending the most qualified and cost-effective contractors.

Author: 

Msc. Bùi Quang Linh
Faculty of Construction Economics and Management,
Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE)